The trail head is Silver Lake. The trail veers off the right side of the lake and then heads up over Silver Lake on a ridge and then back to the lakes. I'm expecting there to be 2 lakes as there was in the Fall - we definitely didn't have enough snow this winter to overfill both lakes. I just don't know how much snow will still be around.
The trail is 1.25 miles and 720 ft in elevation (9480ft).
Heading up Big Cottonwood canyon, I get stopped by a moose crossing the road. That's the first moose crossing I've seen in 2.5 years here. It's a great start!
I get to Silver Lake and there's many cars in the parking lot. I wonder how crowded Twin Lakes will be.
I start walking around the right side of Silver Lake. It's so green out now -- but there's still some snow on the slopes.
Mallard ducks on the lake.
I get to the Twin Lakes trail head and start making my way up. Glacier lilies are blooming and bluebells are just starting to bloom.
The ridge above Silver Lake is snow-free -- until the very end but that's off-trail and in the trees. As I pass the scree slope, I'm hearing the chirping of pikas. I locate 2 of them: 1 above the trail and one below.
On the same rocky slopes as the pika, I also see a Yellow-bellied Marmot! A big brown furry creature.
I look down on Silver Lake; lots of people down there.
I get across the ridge, turn the corner and start heading up to the lakes. I have a choice the rocky road (snowy in spots) or taking the steeper higher route (snow-free). I'm heading higher. (Both trails will eventually meet further up the mountain.)
Very little snow here - I can hear little streams flowing down the mountain.
As I get further up, I start seeing little yellow buttercups.
I have the dam in sight and I can see snowy peaks - yes!!
As I round the dam, what a stunning view!! Snowy peaks surrounding the main lake which is about 50% covered in ice. In the distance, more snowy peak and the ice covered twin lake! Wow!!
There's only one other group of people at the lake (yea); a family with 2 small boys.
I head down closer to the main lake.
I think about heading above the lakes towards the pass but its so pretty and peaceful here, I decide to head towards the twin lake.
Its a bit of an adventure because I lose the trail (it gets confusing in this one spot) so end up rock hopping along the steep lake side until I can hook up with the trail again.
The views continue to get better the further down the shore I get.
I finally get to the intersection of the 2 lakes. I head down to the beach.
I spot a bluebird on a rock.
Now I get a good look at the twin lakes. She's about 70% ice covered. It's so beautiful.
I walk around the one side of the lake and find a nice rock to have my sandwich - in peace and with great views with the sound of water flowing further up the lake.
Time to head back.
Along the shoreline, I spot a Northern Flicker in the trees.
I'm heading down now and see a chipmunk. I'm in no hurry so stop to watch. Then in the background, I spot a small, long and tan body running up behind the chipmunk. It stops on a rock and stands up on two legs -- it's a weasel!! It has a tan body and lighter tan belly (and of course, a long tail with a black tip).
I thought it was going after the chipmunk. But the weasel takes off down the hill. Stopping occasionally for a look around and then continue. I watch him disappear into some rocks and brush a little further down the hill.
I start down the hill on the trail watching for any signs of movement. And he does move - back up the trail. Again stopping occasionally. He passes me up and I lose him.
I continue a little further and stop to look for him. And he's there, heading back down towards me. I continue to watch him appear on some rocks and then disappears. A little hyperactive critter. I try to take some photos but as soon as I get him in focus, he moves on.
He finally disappears and I continue down the trail.
I get back to Silver Lake and decide to finish the loop around the lake.
As I pass this one wet spot I notice the Shooting Stars are blooming! They are one of my favorite flowers.
A little further, there are 3 doe heading toward the lake. I stop to watch until they wander off into the forest.
Wonderful day! (Still can't believe the views!)
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